Skin Tints Can Be Hit or Miss—14 You'll Be Instantly Obsessed With
In case you've missed it, skin tints have been experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity over the past few months. While I'll always leave a place in my makeup bag for the incomparable mid-coverage foundation and brightening concealer duo, skin tints have also been making an appearance lately. In fact, the lineup of products I depend on to help create an ultra-dewy base routine has expanded to include skin tints that are easy-to-use, comfortable to wear all day, and create a gorgeous your skin but better finish.
Many of the popular skin tint formulas out there are also infused with botanical additives that help lock in moisture while delivering a plump, healthy-looking complexion. However, there still seems to be questions about the effectives of using a skin tint on different skin types, textures, and concerns. While they've definitely worked wonders for my makeup, it's also worth nothing that they have the tendency to be a hit or miss. Since they lean towards being lightweight and light coverage, it's fair to wonder if these products can truly target the appearance of fine lines, skin texture, hyperpigmentation. Finding a skin tint that does it all is nearly mythical.
Spoiler alert: there's more than a few that achieve all the above. With the help of my fellowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing beauty editors and thousands of product reviews across major retailers, I've rounded up 14 high-performing skin tints that are the definition of "if you know, you know."
Best Overall: U Beauty The Super Tinted Hydrator
Pros: Leaves skin with a moisture shield and dewy, sheer finish
Cons: Offered at a luxury price point
Product Specs: 1.0 oz pump dispenser
Senior Beauty Editor Jamie Schneider and Beauty Director Erin Jahns were more than happy to enthuse about this one. Not only does it instantly provide the perfect color match with boosted luminosity and moisture, but it also corrects uneven skin tone and texture with self-adjusting coverage. For a flawless finish, allow The Super Tinted Hydrator to dry fully before layering with additional products.
Customer Review: "The Super Hydrator is a total savior for my skin, especially in brutal Canadian winters! Love how cushy this makes my skin feel. I'd love to get a full size of this for sure. Also, just like some of their other products, this isn't strongly scented, which my sensitive skin appreciates."
Best for Correcting Imperfections: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
Pros: Offers a skin-like; dewy finish while diffusing imperfections
Cons: Lightweight formula is not very buildable and offers little coverage
Product Specs: 1.2 oz tube
Model, socialite, and beauty guru Hailey Bieber took to the internet recently with this Hourglass skin tint to demonstrate how to create the perfect "Peachy Girl Summer" makeup look. It delivers moisture to the skin and provides a sheer veil of coverage for a radiant finish that lasts all day. The skin tint also works to diffuse imperfections to even the skin in addition to plumping and smoothing the complexion.
Customer Review: "If you are looking for a lighter coverage foundation look no further. It is really moisturizing as well. There have been days where I forgot to put a moisturizer on, but this does the trick. Hides what it needs to and gives you a glowy moisturized finish. My new favorite foundation!"
Best for Medium to Deep Skin Tones: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint
Pros: Offered in 16 shades optimized to address redness and unevenness
Cons: Not ideal for use on oily skin types (has an incredibly dewy finish)
Product Specs: 1.58 oz tube
Danessa Myricks' Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation is a personal favorite of mine. It's a hydrating, skincare-infused skin tint that provides skin-like, radiant coverage across 16 shades. Optimized to correct imperfections in all skin tones, its formula also combines ceramides and cactus extract to strengthen and protect the skin barrier.
Customer Review: "Based on first impressions, I absolutely love this skin tint. I find most skin tints that are hydrating tend to look greasy and sit on top of my skin, but this one genuinely gives me a lit-from-within glow and evened out my skin tone enough for it to look natural."
Best for Light to Medium Skin Tones: Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Pros: Formula is infused with botanical actives that deliver hydration
Cons: Does not provide buildable coverage in areas that need it
Product Specs: 1.2 oz tube
Even though Associate Beauty Editor Shawna Hudson rarely wears skin tints, she absolutely loves this Chantecaille find. Sometimes your skin needs support to reach its full potential, and the Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer is able to provide great nourishment and coverage. Daily use leaves skin radiant and smooth with a formula that features hydrating botanical polysaccharide.
Customer Review: "I have been using this tinted moisturizer for many years. It is, by far, my favorite. The texture is not too greasy or thin. It provides good coverage without being too heavy and opaque. I use Glow which looks like it would be too dark for my fair skin, but it's transparent enough to add a bit of color while still looking natural."
Best Multipurpose Formula: Typology Tinted Face Serum
Pros: Formula is completely silicone-free and non-clogging
Cons: With only six shades offered; there's limited color diversity
Product Specs: 1.0 oz jar with dropper
According to Associate Beauty Editor Kaitlyn McLintock, this Tinted Face Serum by Typology is an easy winner. It's silicone-free, non-clogging formula is crafted with vitamin C, squalane, and aloe vera that promote deep, long-lasting hydration and radiance. It also offers light coverage and a perfect natural, no-makeup finish without any fuss. Because it's 99% naturally derived and vegan, it's also ideal for anyone with sensitive and reactive skin who needs a gentle product.
Customer Review: "I can’t rave enough about this tinted serum! I love a light coverage, and this product delivers. It’s great for that no-makeup, makeup look or as a first step to even out skin tone. Use as concealer, color corrector, or wear alone. Love, love, love! Would highly recommend!"
Best for All-Day Wear: Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer
Pros: Formula is sheer, breathable, and comfortable to wear
Cons: Does not cover and correct blemishes with such light coverage
Product Specs: 1.3 oz tube
A good tinted moisturizer can completely transform your makeup routine, and the Slip Tint is a prime example of it. Packed with a blend of nourishing ingredients like licorice root extract and hyaluronic acid; it dramatically brightens and refines the skin while giving it protection against UVA/UVB rays and free radical damage. This skin tint is also fragrance free, safe for sensitive skin, and dermatologist tested.
Customer Review: "This is the best tinted moisturizer on the market. I've tried them all! I've always worn tinted moisture, I hate foundation. This is perfect coverage, SPF built in saves a step and the dewy finish keeps your skin looking hydrated all day."
Best for Combination Skin Types: Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream
Pros: Pairs nicely with Kosas' Dream Beam Sunscreen SPF 40 as a primer
Cons: Thick formula is challenging to apply with using a brush or beauty blender
Product Specs: 1.0 oz pump dispenser
Jahns loves using the Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream for smooth, skincare driven coverage every time. Its formula is powered by triple-hydration technology, copper peptides, and zinc oxide to support the skin barrier and visibly reduce redness. The skin tint is also clinically proven to increase dehydration +230% after four weeks; improving the appearance of bare skin.
Customer Review: "I have mature, oily skin. I was skeptical about this product. I bought it on the whim, and I love it. I use my fingers instead of a brush, a little goes along way. I only use one pump for my whole face. It doesn’t make my face oily and it lasts all day. It gives me such a beautiful, slight glow."
Best for Dry Skin Types: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Pros: Offered with a wide range of 25+ shades with various undertones
Cons: Can be messy to use and has a tendency to leak lightly once opened
Product Specs: 1.0 oz bottle with dropper
Ilia's award-winning tinted serum is a must for anyone hoping to pull of a dewy base without juggling multiple products. In addition to combining plant-based squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, tighten, and nourish the skin; it also diminishes the appearance of imperfections. Plus, it's offered in 30 different shades that blend seamlessly for a natural-looking finish.
Customer Review: "After much research in looking for a 'clean' foundation, I found Ilia. I just finished my 3rd bottle and will be repurchasing again because nothing else compares! I'm loyal for life. It's the perfect light coverage and doesn't weigh you down. Nice and subtle yet effective. Highly recommend!"
Best for Oily Skin Types: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
Pros: Formulated with color technology adapts and warms to your skin tone
Cons: None
Product Specs: 1.20 oz pump dispenser
The Gee Beauty Prime Skin is another skin tint Jahns loves to use on the daily. It's a hybrid skin tint that delivers light coverage while also ensuring the complexion stays nourished and protected with powerful ingredients like SPF 20 and hyaluronic acid. Don't let the nine shades fool you—its formula uses flexible color technology that adapts and warms to your unique skin tone.
Customer Review: "10 out of 10—will repurchase. I I have sensitive, aging, skin with a lot of texture and pores. This looks beautiful on my skin. Did not emphasize my texture, did not emphasize my pores. I got a lot of compliments when I wore this. I will definitely be repurchasing."
Best for Sensitive Skin Types: Gee Beauty Prime Skin
Pros: Formulated without pore-clogging ingredients; safe for problem-prone or sensitive skin
Cons: Does not immediately soak into the skin and shifts beneath other products
Product Specs: 1.0 oz tube
Tower 28's multipurpose products offers natural-looking, light-to-medium buildable coverage with 100% mineral SPF 30. Formulated with problem-prone and sensitive skin in mind; it features noncomedogenic ingredients like prickly pear extract for defense against blue light pollution and white sage extract to neutralize free radicals. It's also non-greasy, non-white-cast, and non-oxidizing.
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this product! I’ve seen such an improvement in my skin since I started using it. I struggle with oily skin and hormonal acne, and this is hands down the best foundation I’ve found. I love the finish—it’s dewy but not overly shiny. It’s also super buildable but has great coverage so I wear it for a night out as well as my day to day tinted sunscreen."
Best Skin-Loving Formula: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint
Pros: Formula does not fade, crease, or settle into fine lines
Cons: Limited selection of shades and undertones provided
Product Specs: 1.69 oz tube
Trust me when I say that when it comes to skin loving ingredients, this is one of the best skin tints on the market. Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint is a two-in-one product that offers unbeatable moisture while delivering natural-looking coverage. It strengthens the skin barrier with pro-vitamin D and cactus flower while also using Pigment-Flex Technology to adapt the formula to a wide range of tones.
Customer Review: "I rarely write reviews, but I had to for this! I have a very hard time finding good color matches. Medium 2 is perfect for light—medium olive skin. Undertone is perfect. My skin feels hydrated all day. I use a lot of moisturizer underneath and my fingers to apply it. Great for easy, everyday wear in Spring/Summer!"
Best Dewy Finish: Almay Skin Perfecting Hydrating Tint
Pros: Quick and easy-to-use with a brush, beauty blender, or hands
Cons: Texture feels slightly waxy during initial application
Product Specs: 0.94 oz tube
Dry, dull skin has nothing against the Perfecting Hydrating Tint. By locking in moisture and infusing the skin with a blend of hyaluronic acid as well as a multivitamin complex, this Almay skin tint instantly hydrates the complexion and reduces sneaky signs of aging. Over time, you'll notice your skin will have more plumpness and elasticity (with less visible wrinkles and fine lines).
Customer Review: "This Almay Skin perfecting hydrating tint in color ivory had the perfect light coverage I've been looking for. It feels weightless on my skin with no harsh smells. My skin felt healthy after using it and I had no skin irritation or breakouts."
Best Drugstore Option: Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk
Pros: Instantly delivers light coverage for all skin types
Cons: Product has limited offerings in various shades and undertones
Product Specs: 1.0 oz tube
McLintock uses Covergirl's Clean Fresh Skin Milk to keep her lovely complexion looking its best. For just $7, you can experience this product's ability to create an all-day healthy glow with good-for-you ingredients and light coverage. Its formula features hydrating coconut milk and Aloe extract; two ingredients that promote a youthful, dewy glow. I like to pair this one with Covergirl's Clean Fresh Hydrating Concealer for a bit more coverage.
Customer Review: "Unleash the glam with Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk! It's a blendable dream, weightless, and gives that radiant dewiness. With fun shades and full vegan vibes, it's a makeup must-have. Seriously, why don't you have this beauty boost yet?"
Best Luxury Option: Yves Saint Laurent Nu Bare Look Tint Hydrating Skin Tint
Pros: Melts into the skin for buildable, medium-full coverage
Cons: Not ideal for achieving a sheer, dewy finish (offers high coverage)
Product Specs: 1.0 oz tube
If you're looking for the ideal luxury skin tint, you've found it. This one, by Yves Saint Laurent, has buildable light-to-medium coverage for all skin types to promote a fresh, dewy complexion. Its water-cream texture offers up to 25 hours of hydration using a formula infused with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and brightening mallow for an effortless no-makeup look. I also love that it comes in recyclable packaging!
Customer Review: "I love this skin tint, which is honestly more like a foundation as it has a lot of coverage. I love applying it with my hands. The tube makes it so easy to just squeeze out a small amount directly on the face. This color is perfect for me too. Makes your skin look healthy."
-
A Celeb Makeup Artist Broke Down the Best Way to Apply Eye Shadow (Plus What Not to Do)
Class is in session.
By Maya Thomas
-
French It Girl Jeanne Damas Spills Her Coveted Beauty Tips and Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Picks
It's French girl fall.
By Maya Thomas
-
I'm Done Gatekeeping—This Little-Known Foundation Is My Secret to Flawless Skin
I've been using it for over three years.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
The Smartest Shoppers Prep for Black Friday Now—26 Beauty Items I'm Bookmarking
Call it FOMO or call it being prepared…
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
According to Our Shopping Data, These Sephora Products Are *Extremely* Popular
The clock is ticking.
By Maya Thomas
-
J.Lo Told Me This Skincare Step Is "Overrated," so I Overhauled My Winter Routine
Spoiler: My skin has never looked better.
By Jamie Schneider
-
No Gatekeeping Here—These 12 Red Lipsticks Look Especially Stunning on Dark Skin
They're gorgeous.
By Maya Thomas
-
Madelyn Cline Just Told Me She Swears By This $17 French Moisturizer for Great Skin
Makeup artists also love it.
By Shawna Hudson